Description
Festive holiday magic shines through this classic Gingerbread Cake, celebrating warm spices and rich molasses in every delectable slice. Holiday memories come alive with this comforting dessert you’ll savor and share with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsulfured molasses
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 package (225 g / 8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Candied ginger pieces
- Cranberries
- Rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with grease to ensure smooth cake release.
- Blend Dry Components: Thoroughly combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium mixing bowl, creating a fragrant spice blend.
- Create Creamy Base: Whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale, developing a luxurious texture that will enhance the cake’s richness.
- Incorporate Liquid Elements: Gently fold in eggs one at a time, then mix in molasses, ensuring a smooth and consistent wet mixture that will provide deep flavor and moisture.
- Final Batter Composition: Gradually integrate dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with hot water and mixing until a silky, well-incorporated batter forms without overmixing.
- Bake and Transform: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean, signaling the cake’s perfect doneness.
- Finish and Present: Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, then embellish with a delicate powdered sugar dusting or your preferred frosting, serving alongside whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent touch.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ground spices for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic warmth in the gingerbread cake.
- Add hot water gradually to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender, moist cake texture without becoming dense or tough.
- Customize spice quantities to personal preference – increase ginger for more heat or reduce for milder flavor profile.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain cake’s structural integrity and soft crumb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg